ia v t a l
TOP things
and places
in Liepﾄ）a and surroundings
LIEPĀJA REGION TOURISM INFORMATION OFFICE Rožu laukums 5/6, Liepāja +371 63480808, +371 29402111 info@liepaja.travel www.liepaja.travel www.twitter.com/LiepajaTravel www.facebook.com/LiepajaTravel
Opening hours: 1.01. – 31.03. Mon – Fri 9:00 – 17:00 1.04. – 30.09. Mon – Fri 9:00 – 19:00 Sat 10:00 – 18:00 Sun 10:00 – 15:00 1.10. – 31.12. Mon – Fri 9:00 –17:00 Sat 10:00 – 15:00
Services: Maps, brochures, souvenirs, guided tours and guide services, accommodation booking, Liepāja public transport tickets, bicycle rent
Guide services are available in following languages: Latvian, Russian, English, German, French, Finnish
Liepāja may appear humble amid the European metropolises, yet it is a very selfsufficient city. It carries historical heritage, unique on the national, continental and even on the international level. Tourists come to Liepāja for many reasons and with many goals, and they are pleased to return after finding the charm of this coastal town. You can get to know Liepāja
either by walking the streets or taking a guided tour, or by just following the notes engraved in the city’s sidewalks. To get a good advice on a great time in Liepāja and its surroundings, to find some souvenirs or rent a bike; please stop by Liepāja’s tourism information office. It sits in the very heart of the city – on the Rose Square.
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Welcome to Liepāja!
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Liepāja - City of winds is comfortably settled on a narrow sandy spit between the Baltic Sea and Liepāja Lake. For more than 750 years, this spit has been populated. The town with its own move and charm is chosen to be the home, work or study place by about 70 000 people. It is the third largest city in Latvia, and the tenth in the Baltics.
Manufacturing, Liepāja port, rail transportation, and an airport – all shows a visible sight to Liepaja’s industrial side, while at the same time Liepāja is reflected in a variety of ways; in the rich architecture, and numbers of cultural and sporting traditions. Visiting Liepāja at any time of the year, you will be able to find something engaging. From the summer music festivals to the winter rally which takes place in Liepāja, and its surroundings.
The nature around Liepāja is incredibly diverse: white sandy dunes, occasionally suppressed by steep coast stretch along the coastline for more than 100 km; forests, swamps, lakes and rivers colourfully complement the landscape of the plains. Lower Kurzeme proudly owns the most outstandingly deco-
rated Latvian national costume and Kurzeme’s rich cultural heritage is highly estimated and preserved. Discover the surroundings of Liepāja by traveling either alone or with family and friends – gives a variety of choice for everyone to find something interesting and new.
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Liepāja – city at the sea Wide and beautiful beaches are a visiting card of Liepāja and its 10 km long sandy coast attracts holidaymakers. Everyone can spot a great tanning space here during the hot summer days. Some may like a quiet corner in the dunes some may find an active spot for some sporting activities. Those who are looking for
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romantic evenings or leisure nights can find it amid the musical rhythms at night parties on the beach. Every once in a while, storms and currents wash out amber. Only a trained eye knows the hints of arrival for these sunstones, but luck can spread to everybody…
Try: Summer romance at the beach bars Amber hunting master class Marines from the Southern and Northern breakwaters Sea Fest in July 7
Liepāja – the city of music and art Festival” a rock music festiLiepāja is a well-known birthplace of Latvian rock music. Today, rock music is still heard almost everywhere in town, although solid traditions have also been preserved by classical and folk music artists. Liepāja highly values the free spirits of music; “Fontaine
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val; pop music rhythms at “Summer Sound” a beach festival; and world-level class of professional Liepāja Symphony Orchestra during their stunning performances at the “Great Amber” concert hall. An important page in Liepaja’s book of Culture has been written by Liepāja Theatre with its diverse repertoire.
Try: Classic and contemporary art pieces are on display not only in the exhibition galleries of the city, but also blended in with the urban landscape and creative quarters.
“Tree of Ghosts” and Songs by “Līvi” rock group Figures of Liepāja Anthem on the Kūrmājas Prospekts Special place for special music – concert hall “Great Amber” Powerful Latvian song evenings in the creative room “Kursas putni” Inspirational place – creative room “Ideju bode” Calendar of Liepāja events at: kalendars.liepaja.lv
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Steeples and towers of Liepāja churches Church towers and steeples create a more dynamic panorama of Liepāja. Historically, Liepāja became a home for many nations and confessions. The variety led to the present heritage visible in the diverse architectural and interior designs found in Liepaja. There is an art gallery installed in the steeple of St. Joseph’s cathedral; the baroque altar of St. Anna a Lutheran church has the rarest examples of wooden carvings; the heaviness and beauty of the shiny domes of St. Nicolas a Russian Orthodox Marine cathedral held by monolith technology laid arches. Perhaps the most well-known church in Liepāja is Liepāja
Holy Trinity Lutheran cathedral proud to own the largest mechanical unreconstructed organ in the world. The annual Autumn Festival of Organ Music is like a curtsey to the majestic instrument that still plays as a magnet for worldwide artists eager to touch the manuals, and experience the amazing and unique sound of it.
Try: City panorama from Holy Trinity Lutheran cathedral tower Art gallery in the steeple of St. Joseph’s Catholic cathedral Wooden altar in St. Anna’s Lutheran church Highest onion shape dome in the Baltics, St. Nicolas’ Russian Orthodox Marine cathedral
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Liepāja – green city Blend into nature – yes, it is also possible in Liepāja since Liepāja is green. The seacoast and dunes, city parks and public gardens are where you can walk and spend your time. Liepāja Lake with its bird watching towers are the real paradise for everyone who loves bird watching and pure wild nature. You can meet green Liepāja either by boat trips to the Fortress Canal and Liepāja Lake, cycling around countless bicycle paths, or hiking along the seacoast. In Liepāja, we take care of our parks, flowerbeds and of the woods at the outskirts of town. Linden trees are mostly associated with Liepāja and in July, the aromas of linden blossoms overwhelm the whole city.
Try: The largest planted park in Latvia – Seaside Park Liepāja Lake – for the anglers and bird watchers Linden alleys on Liepu Street, Atmodas bulvāris and Kūrmājas prospekts Five hundred roses at the Rose Square
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Amber value and Latvian traditions Legend says that God initially created two Suns, but then decided to stick with only one. The other Sun fell into the sea and broke up into many pieces. Since then, the Sea gives us Sun pieces in the form of amber; and our artisans insert them in charms and jewelleries. Annually, Ethno- and applied
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art festival “Līva Village” brings together all of the artisans who dedicate their talent to preserving the Latvian traditions. Everyone can come to appreciate the richness of Latvian Culture – songs, dances, folk costumes, applied art works, traditional food and meals cooked by old recipes.
Try: Applied art traditions at “Dārza Street Creative Quarter” Art and souvenir shop “Mākslas lāde” Latvian way of life in the Folklore Centre “Namīns” Traditional harvest fests at “Kungu Street Creative Quarter”
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Architectural variety Outstanding examples of Art Nouveau, old port warehouses, wooden living houses and modernly styled architecture beautify the face of the town; each in its own manner. The name of the architect Paul Max Bertchy speaks volumes too, as he significantly shaped the visual appearance of Liepﾄ）a in his chief city
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architect employ at the end of the 19th century. His major architectonic trail is a mixture of red brick and white plaster, dominating the ornaments and facades of the buildings of that time. Beautiful historical wooden architecture stands out in the Seaside Park area; the finest wooden carvings enrich balconies, railings and facades.
Try: Art Nouveau buildings on Graudu Street Pearls of wooden architecture in the Seaside Park Old port warehouses on Zivju Street, Jāņa Street and on the Promenade Modern architecture – concert hall “Great Amber” 5 15
PROMENADE Contrasts From the restricted area in Soviet times, Liepāja’s promenade has transformed into a popular walking and leisure place. Here you will find the port town feeling at its best: an abundance of rock music traditions at the local rock music club; and plenty of architectural value in the exterior and interior of old hotels and warehouses.
Contrasts made by the close co-existence of industrial and architectural landscapes have created very particular charms that you will not meet anywhere else in Liepāja.
Try: Sea trips on the boat “Four Winds” Art gallery in the “Promenade Hotel” Local time in the Amber clock Līva village Fest at the end of May
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Gastronomical trips into Kurzeme’s coastal taste Life nearby the sea is not possible without its tasty fish, served daily and on holiday tables. Sundried, smoked, and slightly dried codfish were a part of the menu for the local Curonian and Livonian tribes in Kurzeme beginning in the 13th century. Today, we would like to offer our guests only the best; therefore, we invite you to taste our particular regional meal “Liepājas Menciņi” or Codfish Liepāja’s style. Liepāja’s Peter’s Market is a special place in the city. You will find true daily local atmosphere here; locals love to stop by the stalls with
farmers who bring veggies and fruits, fresh berries from the woods, seasonal goodies, fish and forest gifts. The market is a mix of colours and aromas, harvested with a love of nature, beauty, health and gastronomy.
Try: Special Liepāja dish “Liepājas menciņi” and the cocktail “Amber City” Countryside goodies at Peter’s Market Tasty meals in the restaurants and cafes around town 17
Charm and asperity of Karosta Karosta – the largest historical military base in the Baltics – it is composed of one-third of the whole Liepāja territory on its Northern side. Karosta is a part of Liepāja; yet at the same time, it is a world on its own. Karosta is inviting by its asperity, wonderful and a paradox location not
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only in terms of Latvia, but also worldwide. Karosta was constructed as a military base in the Russian Empire on the edge of the 20th century and today its urban touch entwines tsarist military elegance and soviet robustness. You may like or dislike Karosta, but one thing is definitely clear – you will not stay apathetic.
Try: Northern forts in the torchlights Challenge in the Karosta prison Stormy wheatear at the Northern breakwater Photo session at the coastal artillery bunkers 19
Fun and challenge of water, wind and outdoor activities Any water sport lover knows that the sea and the wind is a perfect combination for a great time outdoors; therefore Liepāja becomes a more and more popular destination for kite boarders and surfers. There is no alternative sense of release better than keeping a tight rein on the wind and waves. On the days of a calm weather,
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active holidaymakers can enjoy wakeboarding or SUP boards at the ”BB Wakepark”, paddle catamarans in the Trade Canal or go on a boat walk to the harbour water area. Moreover, there is plenty of summer fun at the Liepāja Olympic Centre SPA complex, should the weather be uncomfortable outside.
Try: Kiteboarding zone on the beach
Palmbeach – surfers’ world in Karosta “Anglers’ house” – a place for active folks Boating route in the Fortress Canal 21
Liepāja - city accessible for all Liepāja is accessible to everyone. Purposefully designed streets and sidewalks with formatted guidelines enables easy movement for people in wheelchairs and the visually impaired. Tactile modules and maps help people to be able to understand the city centre buildings and locations, Jānis Čakste Square, assist in orientation in the Seaside Park and the central beach area. Beach accessibility complex
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was developed for people with disabilities and is open during the summer season. It also has baby diaper changing tables, thus families with babies are welcome to use it as well. In Liepāja a route called “Hear, smell, feel Liepāja!” has been created for the blind and visually impaired. One blind and a number of sighted guides have been trained to accompany groups on this route.
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SURROUNDING
Nature – diverse, rich and somewhat wild There are only rustling waves, swirling wind and the smell of fresh pine trees in the air on the wide, white, and wild sandy beaches of the Kurzeme Baltics. Climbing to the top of Akmeņrags lighthouse, you can find inspiration from the vastness of the sea and power of Latvian forests. The surroundings of Liepāja
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are enormously packed with magical primeval nature. Wild horses and rare orchid flowers in the Pape Nature Park; mythical aura and historical cultural sites on the hills and in the ravines of Embūte; and yet a completely different look to the water pits and hornbeam growth on the Dunika Marsh trail.
Try: Wild horses in the Pape Nature Park and on the meadow grounds of Vītiņi Walking trails in Embūte and Nature Park “Priediens” The other landscape of Dunika and Nida marshes Boating routes in the rivers and lakes of Lower Kurzeme 25
Traditions COLOURFUL AND TASTY As colourful as folk dresses of Rucava and Bārta, as colourful and rich are our traditions; in the folklore, applied art, and in the food recipes of our forefathers. Ancient traditions are alive in the ethnographical house “Zvanītāji”, preserved by ladies who are not only teaching visitors the folk songs and dances, but also treat visitors with homemade
bread and other local dishes. Grobiņa town used to be one of the largest settlements of Curonian Vikings. Today, in Grobiņa you can learn a lot about that era, legends of ancient Vikings, their traditions and way of life in a very interactive and lively way. In addition, visit Aizpute and meet their traditions and works of contemporary history.
Try: Traditions of Lower Kurzeme in the ethnographical house “Zvanītāji” and open-air museum “Vītolnieki” Workshops of heritage preservation in the residence centre “Serde” Reconstruction of the historical events at the Curonian Vikings settlement in Grobiņa 26
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For families with kids – chat with real moo cow, puppets and dwarfs Puppets and dwarfs are There are also exciting moments and experiences for the little adventurers in the surroundings of Liepāja. Explore the zoo “Cīruļi” with wild animals, birds and pets of all sizes. The day will run by at the speed of light, while walking the vast countryside of the zoo.
an inseparable part of childhood; therefore our little holidaymakers are mostly welcomed to the Puppet room in Aizpute, where hundreds of toys look forward to meeting them. You will learn more about ancient wisdoms, traditions and dwarf’s jobs and responsibilities during each time of the year at the exposition of dwarfs in the Estate of Apriķi, but speaking moo cow in the Dairy Museum will tell kids and adults about how she produces milk.
Try: Thirty-eight species of animals and birds at the vast site of zoo “Cīruļi” More than 500 differently dressed up puppets in the Aizpute Puppet room Milking the moo cow and making butter at the Dairy Museum 27
Active leisure – from family driven to extremely challenging Sea, wind and real waves attract kiteboarders and surfers. Others may like more “Longe Cote” or sea walking with oar, riding the cable wakeboard, SUP board or kayaks. Surrounding rivers and lakes are also very appealing with the landscapes and views.
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Local boating experts will not only take care of you to be properly equipped, but prepare your most suitable itinerary. If you are not into the water fun, a good choice is between horseback rides and cycling the trails in the nature parks.
Try: Trip on the picnic boat ”Bartinera” Horseback riding and aerial cable track at the ”Jura staļļi” Fishing in lakes and rivers, or net pulling in the open sea Kiteboard and windsurfing in the waves and winds of the Baltic Sea
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FROM OLD SAUNA TRADITIONS TO EXCLUSIVE MILK BATHS There is plenty of natural treatment recourses around Liepāja: rustling waves calm and tranquilize, salty seawater relaxes tight muscles and helps take off fatigue, beach sand massages strengthen the feet, and rich in phytoncids and inosine coastal air creates a very healthy environment. Chilly days are best for warm
sauna rituals. Ending up in the hands of professional sauna masters will replenish your inner energy storage. Lovers of refined sense will appraise milk bath and chocolate or amber massages.
Try: Walks in Bernāti Nature Park Rural SPA in the guest house “Kaijas” Refined SPA procedures in the “Milk Manor – Berghof”
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Pāvilosta – romantics and adrenaline Pāvilosta is like a border between the human made world and the primeval force of authentic and genuine nature. Therefore, this place is beloved to people in search of true emotions, peace and tranquillity. Walking down the sandy beach, your hair entangled in the wind, your lungs filled with salty marine air and your heart in a common heartbeat with rustling waves. This feeling is so pure and simple, yet powerful at the same time; it makes you want to desire the experience again and again. Everybody can find their own way to enter the natural symphony and become a part of it. Some will find it, consuming adrenaline on a surfboard in the middle of the waves; others will
rejoice in catching their own fish, but true romantics can fall in love with warm July nights and swimming in the sea under the starlight.
Try: Boat trip down the Saka River or into the sea in a locally made boat Smoking and tasting the fish together with local masters Recreation for everyone in the wakepark and swimming area “Wake das Crocodill” “Laiva” – café with an inspirational atmosphere
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HOW TO GET TO LIEPĀJA? By Car Rīga – Liepāja: Highway A9, distance 220 km Klaipėda – Liepāja: Highway A11, distance 100 km By Train From Rīga Railway Station: Fri 18:25 Rīga – Liepāja From Liepāja Railway Station: Sun 17:30 Liepāja – Rīga Check the timetables before departure at www.pv.lv, www.1188.lv By Bus From Rīga Bus Terminal and Rīga Airport Also from Ventspils, Kuldīga, Talsi, Klaipėda and Palanga Check the timetables before departure at www.lap.lv, www.1188.lv, www.liepajasture.lv, www.ecolines.net By Ferry From Travemünde (Germany), 20-24h From Nynäshamn (Sweden), 12 h Liepāja Ferry Terminal, Brīvostas iela 46, Liepāja +371 63622999, www.stenaline.net By Yacht Liepāja Yacht Port Jūras iela 12, Liepāja +371 26155882 N 56°30’45.52’’ E 21°00’42.86’’ By Plane Liepāja International Airport Lidostas iela 8, Grobiņas pagasts, Grobiņas novads +371 63407592, www.liepaja-airport.lv Rīga International Airport Lidosta „Rīga” 10/1, Mārupes novads 1817 (chargeable telephone number for use in Latvia), www.riga-airport.com Palanga International Airport Flights from: Copenhagen, Oslo, Rīga, Moscow Liepojos pl. 1, Palanga, Lietuva +370 61244442, www.palanga-airport.lt
LIEPĀJA
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Blue Flag Beach and Seaside Park Memorable place “Ghosts Tree” St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral Peter’s Market St. Anne’s Lutheran Church Latvian musician’s Walk-of-fame Craftsmen Quarter Rose Square Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and world’s largest organ Sculptures of Liepāja Anthem Concert Hall ”Great Amber” Promenade and Amber Clock Karosta Prison St. Nicholas Naval Orthodox Cathedral The Northern Breakwater
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TOP sightseeing places Ethnographic house ”Zvanītāji” Pastures of wild horses and aurochs in Pape Nature Park 3 Latvia’s highest dune – Pūsēnu Hill 4 Dunika Swamp Trail 5 Couronian Viking Settlement 6 Akmeņrags Lighthouse 7 Apriķi Lutheran Church 8 Milk Manor - Berghof and Milk Museum 9 Skrunda Manor 10 Zoo ”Cīruļi” 11 Embūte Ancient Valley Nature Trail 12 Priekule Memorial Ensemble of Warrior’s Cemetery 1 2
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT LIEPĀJA Liepāja is located in the western part of Latvia, on the Eastern coast of the Baltic Sea Area size - 60,37 km2 City rights since year 1625 Liepāja celebrates its birthday on March 18 Ethnical composition – Latvians 55%, Russians 31%, Ukrainians 5%, Belarussians 3%, Lithuanians 3%, Poles 1%, others 2% Liepāja has the oldest operational electrical tram line in the Baltics Most sunniest town in Latvia The anthem of Liepāja “City where the wind is born” is mirrored in bronze sculptures The narrowest space between Liepāja Lake and Baltic Sea – 250 meters For half of a year Liepāja used to be the Capital of Latvia
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT LIEPĀJA SURROUNDING COUNTIES 4,5 km long Dunika Marsh Trail is the longest in Europe Grobiņa archaeological ensemble is included as a UNESCO World Heritage site on Latvia’s national list World’s largest kiangs (Chinese horses) herd is raised in captivity at Zoo “Cīruļi”, located in Aizpute County Largest WWII Brethren Cemetery in the Baltics with more than 23,000 soldiers laid to rest located in Priekule The only Dairy Museum in the Baltics with a talking moocow waiting to talk with kids and adults located in Skrunda County Pūsēns Dune in Jūrmalciems - the highest dune in Latvia has buried several ancient household yards Latvia’s smallest town Durbe is inhabited by less than 600 local residents Latvia’s most western cape “Green Beam” is located in Bernāti Nature Park Latvia’s State Anthem engraved on a unique stone, is on display at the Antiquities repository in Vaiņode Akmeņrags lighthouse in Pāvilosta County stands out among other Latvian coastal lighthouses as it is located near the most dangerous navigational route along the Baltic Sea coast
SHORT DICTIONARY Good afternoon! Good bye! Thank You! Please! / You are welcome! Excuse me! Yes No I don’t understand. I don’t speak Latvian. Do You speak English? Where is located…? bus station hotel restaurant / café WC pharmacy hospital policija How much does it cost? I would like one light / dark beer, please black / white coffee Cheers! Where can I buy ticket to…? Open Closed
Labdien! Uz redzēšanos! Paldies! Lūdzu! Atvainojiet! Jā Nē Es nesaprotu. Es nerunāju latviski. Vai jūs runājat angliski? Kur atrodas…? autoosta viesnīca restorāns / kafejnīca tualete aptieka slimnīca policija Cik tas maksā? Man, lūdzu, vienu gaišo / tumšo alu melnu / baltu kafiju Priekā! Kur es varu nopirkt biļeti uz…? Atvērts Slēgts
©LIEPĀJA REGION TOURISM INFORMATION OFFICE, 2015 Published with the financial support of Liepāja City Council Photos: Publicity photos of Liepāja region Tourism information Office and Regional tourism information centres Maps: SIA Karšu izdevniecība Jāņa sēta Design: Tēls PR® Print: SIATalsu tipogrāfija Free copy